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Living the Moral Life 70

As we enter the fall political season, it is easy to get caught up into the mere human element of life and forget that God is there. We think about this policy and that policy. We think about the political party of our preference and understanding, and may even think that party has all the answers. We always need to be reminded that it is not the state that saves, but Jesus.

Humanity cannot save itself. We as mere humans do not have all the answers, nor do we have the means by which we can save ourselves. Humanity is divided because of sin. So even if we did have the knowledge of how to save humanity, we could not implement it. But even if we had the means and knowledge, we still probably would not because we are at odds with each other. It is so important not to deceive ourselves into thinking that we can eradicate poverty, war and injustices throughout the world. To some people the solution would be to micromanage the world. But this would take away freedom and strip all people of their dignity. Others may think their freedom is the most important and forget that with freedom comes responsibility. We all have a responsibility to help each other become a better person for the good of others. In the end, in the name of justice, we cause more injustice. In the interest of keeping people from bullying, we bully. In the name of equality, we suppress others. People flock to those whom they see, and put them in places of authority to fix the problems of the world, and they end up making a bigger mess of it. How quickly we forget they are human, too, and not divine. Whatever we think will bring peace, we end up worshipping and putting before all else, only to be let down every time.

So what are we to do about our plight? If humanity cannot save itself, is there any hope? Yes, there is. Our hope is only in Jesus the Christ. In fact, Jesus is our only hope. Granted, we are all called to cooperate with His grace and do our part, but our part that we do is for Jesus, not some politician or ideology. Jesus is the fulfillment of each one of us individually, and as a community of persons, the great family of humanity. Jesus died for our sins, not politicians, sports stars, musicians, singers or anybody in Hollywood. Jesus is the one who is there picking up the pieces of our lives when we are suffering from the bad advice of the media, politics and popular culture. Jesus is the one who forgives us when He is offended, but watch out for the revenge of humans who demand your allegiance.

It was Jesus who cried from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). God is our only hope. He is the only one who has the ability to save humanity. We also know that He wants to because of what He cried out on the cross. This salvation and cry from the cross not only affects our afterlife, but also our natural life. He is here for us in our struggles. He is here for us in our struggles with work, family, prayer, friends and even sin. When we mess things up, He is there to help us, that is the whole point of Him dying on the cross for you.

So when it comes to living the moral life, we have the most powerful advocate possible behind us. Now we know that redemption awaits us in the help of God.

We are two Catholic Churches close to downtown Freeport, IL. Our communities are over 150 years old and have been dedicated to our lord Jesus Christ since our inception.
We believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was concieved by the Holy Spirit, born of ythe Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilot, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.